Chapter 3
Daily Planet
Jimmy Olsen was chatting with a couple of his coworkers when the elevator doors opened. A visibly angry Lois Lane came storming out and marched towards one specific office.
"Clark Jerome Kent!" she shouted, pushing her way through those not smart enough to get out of her way.
"She three named him! Let's get out of here," Jimmy quickly said, a little frightened of what she might do. All over the newsroom people were making themselves scarce, as Lois' temper was legendary. Sitting in his office, Clark was still trying to decide just what to do. He'd forgotten about his little joke last night, as he was having such a good time with Zatanna. After their dance, he'd walked her back to her hotel like a gentleman and wished her pleasant dreams. Some time during the walk he'd turned off his phone, not wanting to be interrupted. It had been such a different night then he was used to. He didn't have to pretend to be someone he wasn't with Zatanna and that was a welcome changed. Of course he'd noticed how attractive she was before, but last night he'd seen another side to her. Zee was a bright, funny, modest young woman, which was a rare combination. For two people that really didn't know each other that well, they had gotten along famously. They seemed at ease with each other, another change for Clark. Now because of that, he was scrambling to come up with something to tell Lois. He'd heard her muttering to herself from five blocks away. At first he thought he would just come clean with her and tell her it was just a joke, but as he listened to her anger rise with each step, Clark decided he'd hold off on that idea. He mind seemed blank as he heard her getting closer. He knew she must be at def con five from the sound of his fellow staffers jostling to make themselves scarce. He knew he had to come up with something and finally decided to just fall back on the tried and true. His door came open with a bang, and a red faced Lois stood in the doorway.
"YOU! Where the hell were you? I spent almost all night at the airport!" she exploded, her eyes shooting daggers at him.
"What were you doing at the airport, Lois," Clark asked with his most innocent look.
"You sent me there, you idiot! The Albino! Your text!" Lois said in exasperation.
"Oh, wow, that's right," he nodded, "didn't you get my last text? It was at the cargo depot. I tried to wait for you, but things were moving pretty fast."
"No! NO! No! I didn't get any text about the cargo depot!" Lois shook her head in anger. "Why didn't you answer any of my texts? I sent like a million while I was waiting?"
"I broke my phone last night."
"You imbecile! What happened to your big story, Smallville? At least tell me you got it," she said.
"About that," he started, "I was waiting for you, but then I saw these ten container trucks pulling away. I had to do something, but I didn't know what. I guess I panicked a little, but then I thought to myself, what would an ace reporter do? Naturally, I thought of you and I knew I had to get the story at all costs. I figured you'd jump on the back of one of those trucks and see where they were going. So that's just what I did, but I dropped my phone and it broke," Clark explained.
"So what happened," Lois asked, her temper put aside at the thought of a story.
"I was hanging on to the last truck and they started going really fast out of town. The truck hit a bump and I fell off. I spent the next few hours walking back to the city. I guess I'm back to square one," Clark admitted.
"You idiot! You're completely useless, Clark," Lois threw her hands up in frustration.
"Well, if it makes you feel better, it seems we both had long nights," Clark said with a smile.
"It doesn't, Clark! Do you know what kind of weirdos hang out at the airport in the middle of the night? Never mind, I smelled like fish from the market, or I had to endure seventies disco music at the bowling alley! My whole night was ruined because of you!"
"Well, I apologize for ruining your night, Lois, I guess my big scoop turned out to be a dead end," Clark offered, repeating the same words she had used on him.
"You apologize? Do you think that makes everything okay, Clark?" Lois asked.
"Let me make it up to you," Clark offered, "I've got two tickets to a renaissance fair for this weekend. We can go together. What do you say?"
The look on Lois' face went from shock to anger to frustration. For a moment Clark was worried she was going to break a blood vessel, as her face turned red. Finally, she just threw up her hands and growled in frustration. Spinning on her heels, Lois stormed out of his office muttering to herself what an idiot he was. Clark watched her go and when it was safe a small smile came to his lips.
Lausanne, Switzerland
An ordinary looking man in a nondescript black suit walks slowly down a side street near the shores of Lake Geneva. He carries a small grey duffle bag. He walks with a purpose, not stopping to look at the sights around him. When he reached his desired address, he quickly pulls out a rather ornate key and slips it into the lock on the front door. Giving a quick scan of the street around him, he turns the key and enters the building. It's dark inside and it takes him a moment to get his bearings. When his eyes finally adjust he heads down a plain hallway towards another door. A different key is used and he enters a large room. Twenty others are silently sitting around a circular table waiting for him. No words are spoken as he moves over and sits down in the only empty seat. He takes a moment to look at the others. They are of various ages, both men and women, all dressed in similar conservative attire. At an unspoken signal, he places both his hands face up on the table. The group follows and then they all join hands.
"So let it begin," the man says, and then they all close their eyes.
Lagos, Nigeria
The air is filled with the shouts of commerce as the market place teams with people. Customers jostle each other, trying to be the first to buy the latest items for sale. It's a pattern repeated the world over every day of the year. The crowd's attention is drawn to three black limousines pulling up. Security guards jump out of the lead and trail cars and do a quick canvass of the area. They finally give the all clear and the middle car's back door is opened. A rather impressive older gentleman dressed in an expensive tailored suit steps out and smiles at the crowd. He moves into the market, shaking hands with the smiling citizens. This is a man of some power both in the community and the government and his name is Joseph Miwane. He pretends to haggle with one of the merchants as a demonstration of how he's still in touch with the ordinary people. It's all a choreographed show and in the end the seller gives him the item. As he holds up his purchase for everyone to see, no one notices eight young men standing just on the edge of the crowd with bowed heads. They are dressed in cargo pants and tattered t-shirts with only numbers of them, 30, 1, 300, 5, 10, 50, 70, and 200. As Miwane continues to shake hands and greet the people, the young men look up in unison. They're eyes are completely white. As they stand there, they begin to vibrate, slowly at first but faster with each passing second. The crowd begins to notice them and the shouts and arguments begin to die down. Miwane's security guards turn to look at the young men and instinctively draw their weapons. Is if by some unseen signal, the young men start running straight for Miwane. Panic fills the crowd and the people desperately rush to get out of the way. The security guards open fire, hitting the young men repeatedly. Bullets fill the air, yet the young men continue forward. Miwane is now surrounded by his security, as they back quickly towards the waiting limos. One by one the bullet riddle bodies of the young men are cut down, yet still they come. Miwane finally gets into his car and is frantically telling his driver to go. Seven of the young men have been stopped but the last one launches himself into the air and lands on the windshield of Miwane's limousine. The security guards continue to fire at him, but his blank eyes are focused on the occupant of the car.
"It begins," the young man says and then his body begins to vibrate even more rapidly. Before the security guards can reach him, he suddenly bursts into flames and then explodes, engulfing the limousine with him. The crowd and security team stand in stunned silence as fire destroys the limousine and it's occupant completely.
Singapore
Gleaming skyscrapers dotted the skyline symbolizing the power and importance of the city. On the fiftieth floor of one of the newest high rises, the chairman of a large international financial firm, Martin Kwan Yew was just about to start his teleconference with the board members. Decisions about capital and markets needed to be made and they would shift the fortunes of countless unknowing people around the globe. He stood looking out the floor to ceiling window at the impressive view of the city. He felt uncharacteristically nervous and even in the temperature-controlled office he was sweating.
The elevator opened on the same floor as Martin office and the most adorably young girl stepped off holding a red balloon. She was dressed in a school uniform, cap with an S on it, knee socks and black patent leather shoes. As she walked down the hallway, workers stopped and smiled. No one thinks to stop her, assuming she was here to see her parent. She made her way to Martin's office and opened the door and walked in before his secretary can stop her. Martin turned from the window and smiles at the cute little child standing just inside his office. The sound of secretary trying unsuccessfully to open his door is the first clue that something's wrong. His smile fades as the little girl releases the red balloon and takes off her cap. A gasp escapes Martin's lips as he sees her eyes for the first time. They are pure white and he feels a shudder run through his body as the little girl looks up at him. The noise outside his office grows, as security has joined Martin's secretary in trying to open the door. His attention is momentarily pulled away from the little girl as the monitors for his teleconference come to life. One by one the images of the board members appear on the screens. The shouting and banging on his door draws his eyes back to the little girl, who is now starting to vibrate.
"It begins," she softly says, as a scowl appears on her face and she starts to running towards him from across the room. Martin screams in panic as the little girl launches herself into the air directly at him. His scream is followed by the sound of breaking glass. The security guards act quickly, knocking the door down, only to find Martin gone and the window shattered. A single red balloon floats aimlessly against the ceiling.
Daily Planet
There was a knock on Clark's door and he looked up from his work. "It's open."
Jimmy Olsen poked his head inside the office and there was a look of concern on his face.
"How you doing, C.K." Jimmy asked.
"Fine, why," Clark said, wondering what this was about.
"Well, we all saw how pissed Lois was this morning and you seemed like her main focus. Although she seems to be taking it out on everybody now."
"I'm fine, Jimmy, really," Clark said reassuringly. "Sorry about her mood today."
"It's cool, we're all kind of used to it by now," Jimmy replied.
"Still, I kind of feel responsible."
"Clark, can I ask you something," Jimmy said.
"Sure, come on it," Clark replied, gesturing towards the open chair. Jimmy took a quick glance behind him and then quickly slipped into the office and closes the door.
"So what's up, Jimmy?"
"Well, I couldn't help overhearing you two this morning," Jimmy started. "I was wondering what's the Albino?"
Clark laughs out loud and sits back with a big smile on his face.
"What? What I say," Jimmy asks in confusion.
"Jimmy, can you keep a secret," Clark says to him.
"Sure, anything, C.K. you can count on me."
"The Albino, I just made him up," Clark smiles.
"What? Why?"
"Well, Lois was being Lois and I decided to give her a little payback," Clark admits.
"Okay, but what's the Albino?"
"I caught her snooping through my computer and she mistakenly thought a general file I have about crimes in Metropolis was a story I was working on. I just decided to tell her she was right and I was working on a big story about a criminal mastermind behind all of them. The Albino was just a name that popped into my head," Clark explains.
"So you made up some criminal mastermind? Why would that piss Lois off so much?"
"Because she wanted in on the big story. So last night she spent most of it on a basic wild goose chase all over Metropolis."
"Oh, wow, that's good," Jimmy laughs, "I would have loved to see her face when you told her. That must have been priceless."
"It would have been if I'd actually told her," Clark replies.
"You haven't told her, why," Jimmy smiles.
"You saw how pissed she was this morning, I thought it might be healthier if I let her cool off for a little while. A day or two, maybe a week," Clark says.
"You know she's going to kill you, C.K." Jimmy says, trying to sound serious but still smiling.
"Maybe she'll see the humor and laugh about it," Clark offers.
"Not a chance."
"Yeah, I didn't think so either," Clark shrugs, "anyway, don't say anything to her about this. I'll tell her when I think the time is right."
"Mum's the word," Jimmy replies, a plan already forming in his mind.
"Thanks, Jimmy, oh, I almost forgot, I've got something for you," Clark says, reaching into his desk drawer and pulling out two tickets.
"Two tickets?"
"They're for Zatanna's show tonight. I mention I had a friend that really wanted to see it, and she gave me these," Clark holds out the tickets for Jimmy. "Have a good time, Jimmy."
"Really? Oh, thanks Clark, this is so cool," Jimmy gushes, as he looks at the tickets.
"Just have a good time, Jimmy. There's two tickets so you'd better get working on a date for the show," Clark points out.
"Right!" Jimmy says, getting up and heading for the door. He stops and turns to Clark, "about that secret, I think you should let it cool down for at least a week, C.K."
"You're probably right, but I have to tell her sooner or later."
"I'd go with later."
Gotham
Urban Renewal started as a noble idea, to rejuvenate poor, substandard neighborhoods in the inner city. What it turned into in Gotham and most cities was a land grab for the rich and well connected. Poor neighborhoods were torn down and replaced by luxury homes and apartments. The rich benefited and the politicians benefited from the increased taxes. The people the plan was originally designed for were priced out of their own neighborhoods. The sad part was it was all completely legal. The latest bit of corporate greed was taking place on the waterfront. Dilapidated apartment buildings and houses had been wedged between warehouses at the turn of the century to accommodate the influx of immigrant workers. Over the years it became a haven for the poorest of the poor, a sort of last stop before becoming homeless. Enter Jason Cole, a real estate developer with connections on both sides of the law. Where others saw the poorest neighborhood in Gotham, he saw opportunity. Spreading money around to all the right people he got the city to use imminent domain to foreclose on the whole neighborhood. They would turn it over to him and he would knock down all the buildings and put up new luxury apartments and a marine walk. Cole and his investors stood to make hundreds of millions out of the deal. There was only one snag he'd run into. A home for the elderly and destitute sat right in the middle of the block. Some enterprising reporter had done a feature on the place and now citizens groups were protesting. The politicians didn't seem to know what do to and if Cole didn't act fast the entire project would be caught up in red tape for years. He knew that some of his silent partners would not take that kindly and would want someone to blame. Hastily he started a P.R. offensive to turn public opinion around. Today would be the start of his push and it was going to take place right in that neighborhood in question.
Batman crouched in the shadows above the scene watching everything. Through his sources he knew protesters would be at the news conference. Associates of Cole's less law-abiding investors had infiltrated some of the protest groups. They were there to stir up trouble and force things to happen. The cameras would later show that the protesters had started a riot and thus turn public opinion against them. Cole would get his go ahead. As the fake news conference started, the protesters had a surprise for Cole and the media. Instead of shouting him down they held their own news conference directly in front of his. The stars of their event were the people living in the home for the elderly. Batman watched as a series of wheelchair bound seniors were brought out for the cameras to see. Bruce didn't know which side he despised more, Cole and his corporate thugs or the protesters and their attention seeking leaders. Both sides were using this poor neighborhood for their own ends. When the cameras left both side would pack up and head out to their safe homes in better parts of the city. The real victims were those poor lost souls barely surviving, now being used as props in this cruel game. The main speaker for the protesters was going one by one down the row of elderly, naming them off and what their afflictions were. Jim was 68 and had cerebral palsy, Linda was 81 and had been catatonic for the last twelve years, Marjorie was 77 and after she broke her hip, she found herself with no place else to go. On and on he continued offering up these sad, desperate people for the media. Bruce felt a sick to his stomach as he watched them dehumanize the weakest and poorest of society. As the lead protester finished, he issued a challenge to Cole to explain why luxury apartments were more important then these people. The cameras all turned back to Cole, waiting for a response. He knew this was his make or break moment. Cautiously he began, spinning his side of the story for all it was worth. As he continued, no one noticed right away that Linda, the catatonic elderly woman slowly began to vibrate. Batman was the first to see it, and his senses reacted like this was a warning. As he began to move from his spot, suddenly Linda's eyes opened for the first time in twelve years. They were pure white and she suddenly rose up out of her wheelchair. Bruce's instincts propelled him to react, but before he could get to the elderly woman, she turned towards the stage and began to dash straight for it. The crowd parted, gasps and screams filling the air as she neared the stage. Jason Cole frozen as the sight of the woman sent a chill down his spine. In the next instant, Linda made an impossible leap towards the stage. A scream came from Jason Cole as he stared into those dead white eyes.
"It begins," Linda said, as she tackled Cole sending them both over the makeshift railing and then plunging into the cold, black water below. The entire crowd was in a panic as they sunk below the surface. Batman fired his line and was quickly following. Bruce dove into the cold, murky water, frantically searching for any sign of either one of them. One minute stretched into two and only when he thought his lungs would burst did he surface. He anxiously looked around, trying to see if that had surfaced. Shouts and screams from the platform filled the air, but there was no sign of Cole or Linda. A flower floated by and Bruce realized it was the one worn by Cole on his jacket. With frustration and just a little dread, he realized they were gone.
Metropolis
It was a beautiful, sunny late afternoon and Clark decided to take advantage of it and walk back to his apartment. With his busy schedule, he didn't get many opportunities to just enjoy his city. Taking off his jacket and loosening his tie, he made his way into the main Metropolis Park. He had a smile on his face as he watched people playing softball, while couples took advantage of the weather to have picnics in the park. It seemed for once there were no emergencies and he could relax for a little bit. As he reached the main fountain, Clark saw a large group gathered. He could hear laughter and applause. His curiosity was peaked. Using his x-ray vision he was surprised to see Zatanna was doing a small free show for the crowd. A man was handing out flyers to everyone and Clark took one and read it. Apparently one of the local children's hospitals had brought the kids out for a day in the park and Zatanna had agreed to be the entertainment. Smiling, Clark made his way over so he was standing right behind Zatanna. He could see the smiles and looks of wonder on the young faces as she did some close up magic for them. The tricks weren't anything special, but she pulled them off with such style and humor that the entire crowd was enchanted. Shifting to his left, so he could see what her next trick was, Clark saw Zatanna was playing three card Monte with a young girl in a wheelchair. Even with his vision, it was tough following her hands as they manipulated the cards. The young girl was the picture of concentration as she watched Zatanna's every move. When the three card were finally laid out for her to pick, the girl seemed unsure which one was the right one. Nervously, her small hand made a move towards the one on the right side. The girl happens to glance up and sees Clark standing there. He'd already scanned the cards and knew which was which. He smiles at her and then shakes his head no. Keeping her eye on Clark the little girl moves her hand to the middle card. Clark nods and winks at her. With a big smile the girl turns it over to find the red Queen. The crowd cheers and the girl beams in triumph.
"You found it! Congratulations, honey," Zatanna happily said. She turned slightly and glanced over her shoulder, "although, I think you might have had a little super help with that one."
Clark gave her his most innocent smile and she laughed good-naturedly and turned her attention back to the little girl.
Just as Zatanna was about to finish another trick for all the children, a tremor went through the park. Clark glanced around and then he sees it. A full sized toy Apache helicopter comes flying over.
"You spoiled little brats won't buy my toys, then revenge is mine!" a strange little voice shouted over a loud speaker. Oh, great, Toyman, Clark thought, just what I need. The crowd began to panic as the helicopter buzzed the fountain and then the bomb bay doors opened and little green army men came parachuting out. From past experience, Clark knew those toy guns fired real bullets. He was just about to make his move, when Zatanna appeared at his side.
"Hold this," she said, handing her top hat to him, "I think I can handle this."
"Are you sure," Clark asked.
"Yeah, besides, Superman promised to have my back, so what's to worry about," she smiled.
"Just be careful, please," Clark replied.
"Always,' she said and then turned to face the parachuting toy soldiers. Raising her arms above her head, Zatanna spoke a series of incantations. The hairs on the back of Clark's neck stood up as he felt the magic begin. The army men were heading straight for the hospital children as the spell took effect. People screamed and the children ducked but then the air around the toy soldiers began to shimmer. Suddenly, instead of green army men, pink and yellow marshmallow peeps were raining down on the children. Gasps of surprise and then laughter erupted as the children's faces lit up at being showered with treats. If Toyman's mask could move, it would have twisted up in anger.
"Son of a bitch!" he shouted over the loud speaker and then circled the helicopter around and headed straight for Zatanna. He opened fire with his machine guns, but a wave of her hand transformed the bullets into silly string. Before he could escape, she uttered another spell and his helicopter turned into a giant clear bubble.
"What the hell," Toyman screamed in surprise as the bubble gently bounced against the ground and rolled towards the fountain. Seeing the little toy man in the bubble, some of the kids went over and began to roll the bubble around the fountain. Back and forth they pushed it, tossing Toyman all around the inside.
"Help! Somebody stop these little bastards! I'm going to be sick!" he shouted as he was tossed to and fro. Eventually the police came and finally pulled Toyman from the bubble. He actually thanked them and begged them to get him away from the kids. Clark smiled as he walked over to Zatanna and returned her hat.
"Not that powerful, huh," he said with a chuckle.
"Oh, come on, it was only Toyman," she replied, dismissing the notion.
"I think I'm going to have to keep a closer eye on you, Zee," Clark smiled teasingly.
"Well, that doesn't sound so bad," she smiled in return.
